Efficiency for Access Design Challenge 2024–2025

The Challenge launched its sixth year on 12 September 2024, inviting university student teams from across the globe to compete in designing affordable, high-performing off-grid appliances and enabling technologies. We’re excited to observe the evolution of these innovative ideas, from initial concept to final design.

The Challenge Handbook 2024-2025

The Challenge Handbook is the main guidance document for all students who are participating in the competition. This document provides important background information on the off-grid appliance sector, the scope of the competition, examples of different technologies, key dates, student support, and the assessment framework. Read the full Handbook here.

Concept Note

Once onboarded to the Challenge, students will submit a concept note, to give us an idea of the support they will need on their journey. They receive feedback on their concept note, are paired with a mentor, and engage with webinars and resources to help them design their appliance or enabling technology.

Final Project

Student teams must submit a 4,000-word report (maximum) and a three-minute video as their final submission in April 2025. They will receive in depth feedback on their submission, which will help them prepare to pitch to a panel of expert judges in May 2025. The scores from the final submissions and pitching sessions come together to determine the winners.